Compression Undergarment

ABSTRACT

A compression undergarment is provided that has a first compression portion configured to fit about a torso of a wearer, and a second fashionable portion connected to the compression portion and configured to appear as a neck area of a common fashionable, workplace or otherwise fashionable/stylish shirt. When worn with an over garment, only the fashionable portion is exposed, providing an appearance that a complete fashionable shirt is being worn under the over garment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally compression undergarments. Moreparticularly the present invention relates to a compression undergarmenthaving a region of fabric that appears to be a non-compression,fashionable garment.

2. Description of Related Art

In many professional settings, as well as public or private settingswhere a stylish look is desired, clothing is layered to provide a uniquelook. Often layered clothing has parts of the under layers partiallyprotruding from the outer layer. One common example is wearing a sweaterover a button down shirt or a golf shirt, among others. In thisembodiment, a collar or the button down shirt or golf shirt protrudesfrom the neck opening of the sweater. Similar looks may be achieved byother garment combinations.

One downside to the above mentioned layering is that, for many, it maybe difficult to maintain an ideal body form, and this may be accentuatedby the layered garments, both by the lack of shaping, as well as theadded thickness of the multiple layers.

Another downside to the above mentioned layering is that the garmentsworn under the undergarment often bunch and become uncomfortable and canhave an unkempt look.

Therefore, what is needed is a device that may provide a thin,comfortable undergarment which may provide some compression and shapingthat may appear to be a complete collared shirt when a sweater or otherover garment is worn over it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of this application may involve, in some cases,interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular problem,and/or a plurality of different uses of a single system or article.

In one aspect, a compression undergarment shirt is provided. Theundergarment shirt comprises a compression portion, and a fashionableportion connected together. The compression portion forms a torso of theundergarment shirt, while the fashionable portion is formed as aprofessional, fashionable or otherwise stylish shirt and makes up theneck hole, upper chest and back region of the shirt.

In another aspect, a clothing assembly is provided. The clothingassembly comprises a compression undergarment worn by a wearer, and asweater positioned over the compression undergarment. The compressionundergarment comprises a compression portion and a fashionable portionconnected together. The compression portion is positioned about a torsoof the wearer and tightly fits thereon. The fashionable portion ispositioned about a neck and forms the neck hole of the compressionundergarment. The fashionable portion is formed as part of aprofessional and/or stylish shirt which is made of a different materialfrom the compression undergarment. As such, the sweater concealssubstantially all of the compression portion of the undergarment, andexposes at least a part of the fashionable portion. This assemblyprovides an appearance that the wearer is wearing a full professionaland/or stylish shirt (such as a button down, Polo® or similar golfshirt, turtleneck, or the like) underneath the sweater.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides a front view of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 provides a back view of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 provides a front view of another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 provides a back view of another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 provides a front view of yet another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 provides a back view of yet another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 provides a front view of still another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 provides a back view of still another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 provides a front view of still yet another embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 10 provides a back view of still yet another embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 11 provides a front view of still yet another embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 12 provides a back view of still yet another embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodimentsof the invention and does not represent the only forms in which thepresent invention may be constructed and/or utilized. The descriptionsets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing andoperating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments.

Generally, the present invention concerns a compression undergarmentthat has a first portion with a compression fabric configured tocompress and/or shape a wearer's body, and a second portion thatresembles a professional, stylish, and/or fashionable shirt. These twoportions are connected together by, for example, being knitted,stitched, sewn, or otherwise attached, via a fabric or otherwise.

This second, professional, stylish and/or fashionable portion may bedisplayed, while the compression undergarment may be covered by, forexample, a sweater, blazer, coat, or the like. As such, the undergarmentmay be partially visible out of an over garment such as a sweater, andprovides an appearance that a full fashionable shirt is being worn.Thus, the present invention can provide a look such as a golf shirt,button down shirt, etc. being worn under a sweater, while at the sametime being more comfortable than the full shirt, providing compressionand/or shaping, and not bunching, and being generally more comfortablethan the full shirt.

Examples of compression fabric that may form the compression portion maybe any stretchable fabric capable of providing some level of compressionto a wearer's torso. For example, the compression fabric may be aspandex, elastic, or similar fabric, tight fitting nylon, polyester,polypropylene or similar synthetic fabric, elastic-cotton or otherblend, and the like. In many embodiments, the compression fabric may beany material capable of at least substantially elastic, meaning that itis capable of stretching to compress a wearer's body, particularly awearer's torso and midsection. The compression portion is configured tosnugly fit about a torso of the wearer.

In varying embodiments, compression and shaping may have differentlevels of compression. For example, in one embodiment, the compressionportion may have a slightly flexible, light fabric and snug fit. Thisembodiment may be useful for a wearer who does not require muchcompression or shaping, and desires a comfortable, thin undergarment. Inthis embodiment, the compression fabric may be thin, and be as thin asor thinner than the fashionable portion fabric. In another embodiment,the compression portion may be a heavy compressing and shaping fabric,possibly comprising reinforcement such as boning and the like. Thisembodiment may be useful for a wearer who desires a substantial shapingand compression from the undergarment. In this embodiment, thecompression fabric may be thicker than the fashionable portion fabric.In still another embodiment, the compression portion may be something inbetween the light fabric and heavy compressing fabric, providing amoderate compression. This embodiment may be useful for a wearer whodesires partial compression and shaping from the undergarment. In thisembodiment, the compression fabric may be substantially thicker, perhaps1.5, 2, or 3 times thicker, and in some cases more, than the fashionableportion fabric. The compression portion may have long sleeves, ¾ lengthsleeves short sleeves, or no sleeves.

The professional, stylish and/or fashionable portion (hereinafterreferred to as the “fashionable portion”) of the undergarment may beformed of any fabric and in any style generally accepted asprofessional, work clothing, and/or stylish clothing, fashionableclothing, and the like. In many embodiments, the fashionable portion mayhave a collar, as is generally known to be a feature of fashionableshirts. Generally, the fashionable portion is distinguished from a gymshirt. T-shirt, or compression undergarment, and may be any generallyacceptable stylish clothing, particularly stylish shirts. Thefashionable portion will be formed of a different material from thecompression portion. For example, in one embodiment, the fashionableportion may be formed as a collar and button down resembling a fullcollared, button down shirt. In another embodiment, the fashionableportion may be formed as a golf shirt collar, such as a Polo® shirt andequivalent, buttons, and material. In still another embodiment, thefashionable portion may be formed as a turtle neck or mock turtleneck.In many embodiments, the fashionable portion is made of a substantiallynon-elastic material. While it may have some stretchability orflexibility based on the fabric, it will be generally much lessstretchable than the compression portion.

The fashionable portion may further comprise a second region at an endof a long sleeved embodiment of the compression portion. In thisembodiment, the second region may have cuffs at the end of the longsleeves. These cuffs may be formed of a same material as the collararea.

In a preferred embodiment, the fashionable portion may be over the neckhole region of a shirt compression undergarment. The neck hole regionmay extend on a front and back of the shirt sufficiently to not exposethe compression portion when an over garment is worn. In one embodimenthaving a button down collared shirt fashionable portion, the buttons mayextend four buttons down from the collar, approximately 1-6 inches tothe left and right of the collar, and approximately 3-12 inches down theback of the shirt from the collar. In another embodiment, thefashionable portion may extend 2-12 inches down the front of theundergarment. In yet another embodiment, the fashionable portion mayextend 1-6 niches from the neck towards the shoulder on each side, 2-8inches down the front, and 1-8 inches down the back. In yet stillanother embodiment, the fashionable portion may extend down toapproximately the end of the wearer's sternum, and an equal distancedown the back. The remainder of the undergarment in these embodiments isformed by the compression portion.

It should be noted that typically button down shirts, golf shirt, andturtle necks often bunch and crumple when worn under a sweater or otherover garment. The present invention is particularly advantageous becauseits thin material and snug fit largely eliminates this bunching. Thismakes for a more comfortable wearing experience, better look, and easierdonning and removal of the over garment, even if no compression orshaping is needed for the user.

Turning now to FIGS. 1 and 2, one embodiment of the compressionundergarment is provided. The undergarment is formed as a shirt, havinga first, compression portion 10 made from compression fabric, asdescribed above. This portion 10 makes up the torso and arm area,including the waist and chest portion, as well as sleeves. It should beunderstood that the sleeve length, among other things, may vary to be along sleeve, ¾ sleeve, short sleeve, no sleeve, or the like. This viewprovides a compression portion configured for a man, however femaleshaping compression portions and cuts are also within the scope of thisinvention.

The undergarment further comprises the second, fashionable portion shownin this embodiment as a collared, button down shirt. The fashionableportion 11 comprises a collar 12, which may be button down 13 as shown,or not, and may be of varying size and shape. The fashionable portion 11further comprises four buttons 14 that extend far enough down the user'schest to make it appear that a complete button down shirt is being wornwhen covered by a sweater or other similar over garment. In other words,when the over garment is worn, none, or substantially none, of thecompression portion is exposed because it is covered by the overgarment. It should be understood that substantially all of thecompression portion is generally covered by the over garment, meaningthat in some cases the compression portion may be exposed depending onmovement, unorthodox use of the over garment, and the like. However,during proper and standard use, the compression portion should becovered. Similarly, the fashionable portion 11 extends down theshoulders and back sufficiently to make it appear that a complete buttondown shirt is being worn.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show another embodiment of the compressing undergarment.In this embodiment, the undergarment has a golf shirt fashionableportion 31. The undergarment is formed as a shirt, having a first,compression portion 30 made from compression fabric, as described above.This portion 30 makes up the torso and arm area, including the waist andchest portion, as well as sleeves. It should be understood that thesleeve length, among other things, may vary to be a short sleeve, ¾sleeve, long sleeve, no sleeve, or the like. This view provides acompression portion configured for a man, however female shapingcompression portions and cuts are also within the scope of thisinvention.

The fashionable portion 31, as noted, is formed having a golf shirtcollar and adjacent region. As such, it may be formed of common golfshirt material, having a collar 32, and three buttons 33 extending downfrom the neck opening. The fashionable portion 31 extends down the chestbeyond the three buttons 33 to approximately a wearer's sternum. Itextends to the left and right of the neck opening sufficiently to becovered by a sweater or similar over garment. As seen in FIG. 4, thefashionable portion 31 further extends down a back of the garment toapproximately the user's shoulders.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show another embodiment of the compressing undergarment.In this embodiment, the undergarment has a mock turtleneck fashionableportion 51. The undergarment is formed as a shirt, having a first,compression portion 50 made from compression fabric, as described above.This portion 50 makes up the torso and arm area, including the waist andchest portion, as well as sleeves. It should be understood that thesleeve length, among other things, may vary to be a short sleeve, ¾sleeve, long sleeve, no sleeve, or the like. This view provides acompression portion configured for a man, however female shapingcompression portions and cuts are also within the scope of thisinvention.

The fashionable portion 51, as noted, is formed having a mock turtleneck52 and adjacent region. As such, it may be formed of common turtleneckshirt material such as cotton, wool, synthetic fabrics, and the like.The fashionable portion 51 extends down the chest to approximately awearer's sternum.

It extends to the left and right of the neck opening sufficiently to becovered by a sweater or similar over garment. As seen in FIG. 6, thefashionable portion 51 further extends down a back of the garment toapproximately the user's shoulders.

FIGS. 7 and 8 provide yet another embodiment of the compressionundergarment. The undergarment is formed as a shirt, having a first,compression portion 10 made from compression fabric, as described above.This portion 10 makes up the torso and arm area, including the waist andchest portion, as well as sleeves. It should be understood that thesleeve length, among other things, may vary to be a long sleeve, ¾sleeve, short sleeve, no sleeve, or the like. This view provides acompression portion configured for a man, however female shapingcompression portions and cuts are also within the scope of thisinvention.

The undergarment further comprises the second, fashionable portion shownin this embodiment as a collared, button down shirt. The fashionableportion 11 comprises a collar 12, which may be button down 13 as shown,or not, and may be of varying size and shape. The fashionable portion 11further comprises four buttons 14 that extend far enough down the user'schest to make it appear that a complete button down shirt is being wornwhen covered by a sweater or other similar over garment. Similarly, thefashionable portion 11 extends down the shoulders and back sufficientlyto make it appear that a complete button down shirt is being worn.

In addition, the fashionable portion 11 further comprises cuffs 70 atthe ends of each long sleeve. Cuffs 70 may be configured to protrudefully or slightly from the sleeves of the sweater or other over garment.The cuffs 70 may further provide the appearance that an entirefashionable shirt, such as a full button down shirt, is being worn.

FIGS. 9 and 10 provide yet still another embodiment of the compressionundergarment. The undergarment is formed as a women's shirt, having afirst, compression portion 90 made from compression fabric, as describedabove. This portion 90 makes up the torso and shoulder area, includingthe waist and chest portion, and is shown without sleeves. It should beunderstood that the sleeve length, among other things, may vary to be along sleeve, ¾ sleeve, short sleeve, no sleeve, or the like.

The undergarment further comprises the second, fashionable portion 91shown in this embodiment as a collared, golf shirt. As such, thefashionable portion 91 may be formed of common golf shirt material,having a collar 92, and buttons 93 extending down from the neck opening.The fashionable portion 91 extends down the chest beyond the buttons 93to approximately a wearer's sternum. It extends to the left and right ofthe neck opening sufficiently to be covered by a sweater or similar overgarment. As seen in FIG. 10, the fashionable portion 91 further extendsdown a back of the garment to approximately the user's shoulders.

FIGS. 11 and 12 provide yet another embodiment of the compressionundergarment. The undergarment is formed as a women's shirt, having afirst, compression portion 110 made from compression fabric, asdescribed above. This portion 110 makes up the torso and arm area,including the waist and chest portion, as well as sleeves. It should beunderstood that the sleeve length, among other things, may vary to be along sleeve, ¾ sleeve, short sleeve, no sleeve, or the like.

The undergarment further comprises the second, fashionable portion 111shown in this embodiment as a collared, button down shirt. Thefashionable portion 111 comprises a collar 112, which may be buttondown, or not, and may be of varying size and shape. The fashionableportion 111 further comprises four buttons 113 that extend far enoughdown the user's chest to make it appear that a complete button downshirt is being worn when covered by a sweater or other similar overgarment. Similarly, the fashionable portion 111 extends down theshoulders and back sufficiently to make it appear that a complete buttondown shirt is being worn.

In addition, the fashionable portion 111 further comprises cuffs 114 atthe ends of each long sleeve. Cuffs 114 may be configured to protrudefully or slightly from the sleeves of the sweater or other over garment.The cuffs 114 may further provide the appearance that an entirefashionable shirt, such as a full button down shirt, is being worn.

While several variations of the present invention have been illustratedby way of example in preferred or particular embodiments, it is apparentthat further embodiments could be developed within the spirit and scopeof the present invention, or the inventive concept thereof. However, itis to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptationsare within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and areinclusive, but not limited to the following appended claims as setforth.

What is claimed is:
 1. A compression undergarment shirt comprising: acompression portion forming a torso of the undergarment shirt, thecompression portion formed of a stretchable fabric; a fashionableportion connected to the compression portion and forming a neck openingof the shirt and an adjacent area, the fashionable portion formed of adifferent material from the compression portion, and configured toresemble a fashionable shirt.
 2. The compression undergarment shirt ofclaim 1 wherein the fashionable portion comprises a collar and a button.3. The compression undergarment shirt of claim 1 wherein the fashionableportion comprises a button down shirt, comprising a collar and aplurality of buttons.
 4. The compression undergarment shirt of claim 1wherein the fashionable portion comprises a golf shirt area, comprisinga collar and a plurality of buttons.
 5. The compression undergarmentshirt of claim 1 wherein the fashionable portion is formed of anon-stretching fabric.
 6. The compression undergarment shirt of claim 1wherein the fashionable portion comprises a mock turtleneck.
 7. Thecompression undergarment shirt of claim 1 wherein the compressionportion comprises long sleeves, and further comprising a secondfashionable portion at a distal end of each long sleeve, the secondfashionable portion formed as a cuff, and formed of the same material asthe fashionable portion.
 8. The compression undergarment shirt of claim1 wherein the compression portion is formed of a substantially elasticfabric configured to shape a torso of a wearer.
 9. The compressionundergarment shirt of claim 1 wherein the compression portion furthercomprises a boning.
 10. The compression undergarment shirt of claim 1wherein the compression portion comprises polyester, and wherein thefashionable portion comprises cotton.
 11. The compression undergarmentshirt of claim 1 wherein the compression portion comprises long sleeves.12. The compression undergarment shirt of claim 1 wherein thecompression portion comprises short sleeves.
 13. The compressionundergarment shirt of claim 1 wherein the fashionable portion extendsapproximately 1-6 inches from a neck opening towards each shoulder,extends approximately 2-8 inches down a chest of the compressionundergarment shirt, and extends approximately 1-8 inches down a back ofthe compression undergarment shirt.
 14. A clothing assembly comprising:a compression undergarment worn by a wearer; a sweater positioned overthe compression undergarment and also worn by the wearer; wherein thecompression undergarment comprises a compression portion and afashionable portion connected together, the compression portionpositioned about a torso of the wearer, the fashionable portionpositioned about a neck hole of the compression undergarment, formed aspart of a fashionable shirt, and formed of a different material from thecompression undergarment; and wherein the sweater conceals substantiallyall of the compression portion, and exposes at least a part of thefashionable portion.
 15. The clothing assembly of claim 14 wherein thefashionable portion is formed as one of a button down collared shirt, acollared golf shirt, a mock turtleneck, and a turtleneck.
 16. Theclothing assembly of claim 14 wherein the fashionable portion extendsapproximately 1-6 inches from a neck opening towards each shoulder,extends approximately 2-8 inches down a chest of the compressionundergarment shirt, and extends approximately 1-8 inches down a back ofthe compression undergarment shirt.
 17. The clothing assembly of claim14 wherein the compression portion comprises polyester, and wherein thefashionable portion comprises cotton.
 18. The clothing assembly of claim14 wherein the compression portion is formed of a substantially elasticfabric configured to shape a torso of a wearer.
 19. The clothingassembly of claim 14 wherein the fashionable portion comprises a collar,and a button.
 20. The clothing assembly of claim 14 wherein thecompression portion comprises long sleeves, and further comprising asecond fashionable portion at a distal end of each long sleeve, thesecond fashionable portion formed as a cuff, and formed of the samematerial as the fashionable portion.